Finding a nice view at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area took more than one attempt.

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Last weekend my husband, Jamie, and I explored Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area.

We chose the yellow trail on the east side. The August heat was lingering, and the trail wasn't nearly as shady as we expected.

The steep, rocky terrain reminded me how out of shape I am. It seemed like we were constantly on what my dad used to call "God's Stairmaster." I got cranky when Jamie said, for the third time, "I thought there would be a nice view."

By the end of the hike, I was sweaty, dusty, exhausted and less than pleased with my photos.

Two days later we tried our luck at Busiek again, this time on the purple trail on the west side.

It was later in the day and at least 20 degrees cooler. We hiked uphill at a brisk pace, racing the sunset as the evening light filtered through the trees.

About 30 minutes in, we made it to a spot where we could see the hills through the trees just before the sun was gone. This time we found some of the views we knew Busiek had to offer, and I didn't even get cranky.